Impact of jejunal pouch interposition reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer on quality of life: short- and long-term consequences

BackgroundProximal gastrectomy with jejunal pouch interposition (JPI) reconstruction has been advocated as a function-preserving surgery in patients with early gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach.MethodsThis study clinically investigated 22 patients who underwent JPI reconstruction and 22 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction after total gastrectomy for stage IA/IB gastric cancer. Patients in the 2 groups were compared to evaluate the short- and long-term postoperative outcomes.ResultsMorbidity and nutritional parameters were no different between the 2 groups. Although postoperative food intake volume was significantly superior in JPI patients than in RY patients 1 year postsurgery, the change in body weight was equal. JPI patients outperformed RY patients with a better quality of life (QOL) at 1 year postgastrectomy. However, 5 years after the surgery, both groups had a similar QOL except for fatigue.ConclusionsJPI reconstruction leads to better outcomes including QOL than RY reconstruction in the short term. However, this short-term positive impact of JPI decreases over time.     

Ideal Reconstruction after Total Gastrectomy by the Interposition of a Jejunal Pouch Considered by Emptying Time

To establish the ideal form of the pouch for jejunal pouch interposition reconstruction (JPI) after total gastrectomy, the postoperative gastrointestinal function and symptoms were investigated in comparison with jejunal interposition reconstruction (JI). A total of 20 patients who underwent curative surgery for gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. In the JI group (n = 9), an isoperistaltic jejunum about 40 cm in length was interposed between the esophagus and the duodenum. In the JPI group (n = 11), a proximal pouch about 15 cm in length with a 10-cm conduit was also interposed between the esophagus and the duodenum. At follow-up 6 months postoperatively, food transit was evaluated using a radiolabeled semisolid test meal. The half-emptying time was 6.9 minutes in the JI group and 46 minutes in the JPI group. The reservoir function influenced the recovery of the patients body weight and development of the serum total protein in the early postoperative period. An early half-emptying time caused dumping symptoms in JI group. In the JPI group, there were no dumping symptoms; however, extended food clearance of pouch causes postprandial symptoms such as reflux (1 patient), vomiting (2 patients), and discomfort (2 patients). In those patients with symptoms, half-emptying times were longer than 60 minutes. There was a statistically significant correlation between the pouch length and the half-emptying time of the gastric substitute in JPI group (p = 0.0039, r = 0.789). If we estimate that the appropriate half-emptying time is 20 to 60 minutes, correlation of the pouch length and the half-emptying time shows that the ideal pouch length is about 12–15 cm in JPI. In jejunal pouch interposition reconstruction after total gastrectomy, an adequate procedure leads to nutritional advantage and prevents postoperative symptoms.     

Laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy with jejunal pouch interposition

Background Jejunal pouch interposition (JPI) is known as a useful gastric replacement procedure after total gastrectomy. The JPI procedure, however, has not been applicable to laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) because of its technical complexity and difficulty. This study aimed to describe our modified LATG/JPI technique, and to evaluate its feasibility, safety, and early postoperative functional outcome. Methods Between September 2002 and August 2003, LATG/JPI was attempted for five patients (3 men and 2 women) with early gastric cancers in the upper portion of the stomach. The mean age of the patients was 57 years, and their BMI was 21 kg/m². Using a 5-port technique, the gastric arteries were laparoscopically clipped and divided with adequate lymphatic dissection. After completion of gastric resection, the anvil of a circular stapling device was placed in the esophageal stump. An 8-cm minilaparotomy then was performed, and the 12-cm pouch was created extracorporeally in the “reverse U” fashion. The stapled pouch-esophagostomy was performed under laparoscopic monitoring. The remainder of the procedure was accomplished under direct vision. Results All cases were managed laparoscopically without any complications. The mean operating time was 407 min, and the blood loss was 279 ml. All the patients showed rapid and uneventful recovery. Postoperative studies, including dual scintigraphy, showed that all jejunal pouches were satisfactorily functioning. Conclusions This study showed LATG/JPI to be feasible and safe. With technical modifications, LATG/JPI can become a potentially effective option for improving patients’ quality of life after total gastrectomy.     

Medium- and Long-Term Results of Jejunal Pouch Reconstruction After a Total and Proximal Gastrectomy

Purpose We developed several kinds of jejunal (J)-pouch reconstruction after a gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the advantages of these methods. Methods As for the treatment of malignant gastric diseases at stage II or earlier, we employed the J-pouch reconstruction (Roux-en-Y method: JPRY, or J-pouch interposing: JPI) following a total gastrectomy. We also used JPI after a proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach. Results Out of a total of 80 patients, JPRY was performed in 40 patients and JPI in 40. No anastomotic leaks were associated with the use of an automatic stapler. The stapler (Endo GIA; U.S. Surgical, Norwalk, CT, USA) with a 60-mm-long white cartridge minimized bleeding from the anastomotic site and reduced the operative time. While two patients died of recurrence, all other patients are alive and well for a maximum of 15 years after surgery. The motility of the J pouch was satisfactory after both surgical procedures, as measured by the bile regurgitation test or the transit test employing radiopaque markers. The mean percentage of the radiopaque markers eliminated from the J pouch 1 h after breakfast was 7.5% in the JPRY group and 0%–33% in the JPI group. After another hour, the corresponding percentage was 19.5% in the JPRY group and 14%–60% in the JPI group. Conclusion Our procedures for J-pouch reconstruction are considered to result in a favorable postoperative quality of life and prognosis. J-pouch reconstruction is therefore advantageous in terms of operative morbidity, postoperative clinical signs, symptoms, and dietary status.     

Improved Long-Term Quality of Life in Patients with Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy with Jejunal Pouch Interposition for Early Gastric Cancer

Background  

Although laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for early gastric cancer (EGC) offers more advantages than open distal gastrectomy, it does not eliminate the postgastrectomy syndrome, which can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). In this paper, we investigate jejunal pouch interposition (JPI) during LADG and evaluate its potential for long-term use.     

Lower oesophageal sphincter‐preserving Roux‐en‐Y esophagojejunostomy with a jejunal J‐pouch reconstruction‐added His angle formation after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer

Aim

The aim of the present study was to prevent post‐gastrectomy disorders (PGD), such as alkaline reflux esophagitis (ARE), early dumping syndrome (EDS) and microgastria, in patients after total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. We performed lower oesophageal sphincter (LES)‐preserving Roux‐en Y with jejunal J‐pouch reconstruction and His angle formation (LRYJPH). We introduce the application criteria, technical points and results of the LRYJPH procedure.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐eight patients who underwent LRYJPH in our hospital from October 2014 to August 2015 were studied. The application criteria were gastric cancer patients (stages II, IIIA and IIIB) who could undergo radical surgery and tumour mainly localized at the middle third of the stomach, with its anal side 5.5 cm or further from the esophagogastric mucosa junction. To preserve the LES, the abdominal oesophagus was resected at the level of the His angle. To make a jejeunal J pouch, a plicated jejunal loop of 15 cm in length was made. After end‐to‐side esophagojejunostomy of the jejunal J pouch, a His angle was created on the left‐side abdominal oesophagus.

Results

The patient’s appetite was unchanged compared with before the operation. Symptomatic and endoscopic ARE, food stasis in the jejunal J pouch and microgastria were all absent. EDS was 8.3 per cent. The level of satisfaction after the operation was 100 per cent.

Conclusion

LRYJPH is appropriate to prevent PGD. This procedure is safe and facilities satisfactory results.     

Usefulness of reconstruction with jejunal pouch in total gastrectomy for gastric cancer in early improvement of nutritional condition

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y reconstruction with a jejunal pouch is a modified standard procedure in total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the usefulness of the reconstruction using a jejunal pouch in subsequent improvement of the nutritional condition of patients with gastric cancer after total gastrectomy. METHODS: Sixteen patients with gastric cancer treated by total gastrectomy and reconstruction with simple Roux-en-Y from January 1993 to December 1996 and 14 patients treated by total gastrectomy and reconstruction with Roux-en-Y and jejunal pouch from January 1997 to December 1998 were investigated in regard to postoperative heartburn, changes in the body weight, and prognostic nutritional index. RESULTS: Postoperative heartburn occurred in 1 patient (7.1%) among patients treated with Roux-en-Y and jejunal pouch and 3 (18.8%) among patients treated with simple Roux-en-Y. The body weight ratio at 1 year after operation in patients treated with Roux-en-Y and jejunal pouch (88.2% +/- 4.2%) was significantly higher than that in patients treated with simple Roux-en-Y (80.0% +/- 4.6%; P <0.01). The prognostic nutritional index ratios for patients treated with Roux-en-Y and jejunal pouch at 1 and 3 months after operation were 93.9% +/- 9.1% and 101.7% +/- 11.0%, respectively, and were significantly higher than that in patients treated with simple Roux-en-Y (86.2% +/- 8.8% and 88.1% +/- 8.2%, P <0.05 and P <0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction using a jejunal pouch in total gastrectomy is useful for an early improvement of the nutritional condition of patients with gastric cancer.     

Comparing reconstruction with ileocecal graft to jejunal interposition pouch after total gastrectomy in rats.

After total gastrectomy, the ileocecal graft may act as a reservoir and protect against reflux but give rise to transposition of the ileum and cause possible changes in bile acid metabolism and nutrition. This study compared the ileocecal graft and jejunal pouch. Male Wistar rats weighing 265 +/- 22 g were submitted to sham operation (S), ileocecal interposition graft (IIG), and jejunal pouch interposition graft (JP) after total gastrectomy. Eight weeks later, the esophagus was examined for evidence of esophagitis. Nutritional biochemistry and weight profile were documented preoperatively and 8 weeks after surgery. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Thirty-three rats were operated on and 30 survived for 8 weeks. Esophagitis occurred in seven JP rats. Body weight was significantly higher in IIG than in JP rats (p < .05). Normal glucose tolerance to intragastric glucose load was observed in sham and operated rats. JP rats had a significant decrease in serum albumin, glucose, transferrin, hemoglobin, iron, folate, and calcium, compared to sham (p < .05). Cobalamine was significantly lower in IIG rats than in JP rats (p < .05). In the IIG and JP groups, serum/hepatic total bile acid did not differ significantly from preoperative and sham values. In conclusion, the IIG interposition graft in rats prevented esophagitis, preserved nutrition, and did not interfere with enterohepatic total bile acid circulation.     

Quality of Life after Gastrectomy for Gastric Carcinoma: Controlled Study of Reconstructive Procedures

n = 64) eligible for curative gastric cancer surgery were randomized to have either a total ( n = 31) or subtotal ( n = 13) gastrectomy or a jejunal S-shaped pouch ( n = 20) implanted as a gastric substitute. The quality-of-life evaluation was based on a battery of questionnaires covering both general and specific aspects of life. The patients were rated by one of two psychiatrists who were blinded to the patients’ group affiliation. Assessments were made on three occasions: during the week prior to surgery and 3 and 12 months after the surgical intervention. The postoperative complication and mortality rates were similar in all treatment groups, with few serious complications recorded. Irrespective of type of treatment, the patients suffered from alimentary symptoms and functional limitations in everyday life, whereas their mental well-being improved after surgery. Patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy had the best outcome, especially with respect to complaints of diarrhea. Patients given a gastric substitute after gastrectomy showed no difference from those who had only a total gastrectomy. We conclude that despite significant unfavorable consequences that follow gastrectomy, patients recover with an improved mental status. A pouch reconstruction after total gastrectomy does not improve quality of life, but a subtotal gastrectomy has advantages that must be considered when the procedure is clinically feasible.     

胃癌切除后三种重建方式术后患者生活质量的比较

目的 探讨胃癌不同切除和重建方式对患者术后生活质量的影响。方法 随访我科4年间所行胃癌切除手术的患者，选择其中生存2年以上的61例（近端胃大部切除食管胃吻合13例、全胃切除空肠P型重建l8例、空肠双Braun重建30例）作为观察对象。通过对患者14项随访内容的反馈，对其生活质量进行评价。同时对l2例不同重建方式的患者，进行贮袋^99mTc核素排空功能检测。结果手术后6个月，各指标3组之间的差异无统计学意义；手术后12个月，双Braun重建比P型重建和食管胃吻合在进食时间（P〈0．05）、进食次数（P〈0．05）、体重（P〈0．01）方面有明显的优势；手术后24个月，双Braun重建在体重改善方面优于P型重建和食管胃吻合（P〈0．01）。食物在双Bmum重建的贮袋中存留的时间比其他2种重建方式延长（分别为P=0．001；P=0．002）。结论 全胃切除双Braun重建手术术后患者近期生活质量优于P型重建和食管胃吻合术；双Braun重建的贮袋具有良好的食物存储功能。     

Cronkhite–Canada syndrome causing pouch outlet obstruction 5 years after roux-en-y gastric bypass

Objective: We present the case of a 57-year-old man with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and colonic polyps who presented with an upper gastrointestinal obstruction based on massive stomach polyposis in the pouch.

Methods: Two months prior to this acute admission, he had undergone resection of the gastric remnant due to massive refractory intraluminal bleeding from a polypoid mass. Ten years earlier, right colectomy was performed due to hypertrophic polyposis unsuitable for endoscopic polypectomy.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a polypoid mass in the pouch causing obstruction. Benign biopsies were obtained. A resection of the stomach pouch with esophagojejunostomy was performed. Macroscopic evaluation of the pouch lumen showed massive polyposis with a sharp demarcation near the Z-line and at the gastrojejunostomy. On clinical examination, the presence of atrophic nail changes, alopecia, and palmar hyperpigmentation was noticed.

Results: Postoperative course was uneventful and feeding was restarted successfully. Histological analysis revealed hyperplastic polypoid tissue, which resembled the polyps in the stomach remnant and colon. Together with the ectodermal changes, the diagnose of Cronkhite–Canada syndrome was established.

Conclusion: Diffuse polyposis in Cronkhite–Canada syndrome is a rare cause for pouch obstruction after RYGB. Clinical examination should focus on dermatologic findings.     

Adenocarcinoma in the jejunal pouch after proximal gastrectomy for early stage upper gastric cancer: report of a case

An 84-year-old male was admitted to a local clinic suffering from general fatigue with associated anemia, and therefore was referred to our hospital. His medical history included a proximal gastrectomy with the formation of a jejunal pouch as a reconstructive treatment for early upper gastric cancer at 78?years of age (6?years prior). A type 2 tumor located in the jejunal pouch almost completely surrounded by small intestinal mucosa was demonstrated by gastrointestinal endoscopy. The biopsy specimens showed a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography showed no lymphadenopathy or hepatic metastases. A resection of the residual stomach and jejunal pouch was performed. Based on the histological findings from the resected specimen, the tumor was considered to be primary adenocarcinoma in the jejunal pouch. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient has shown no evidence of any recurrence during the 6-year period after the most recent surgery.     

Adjustable gastric band placed around gastric bypass pouch as revision operation for failed gastric bypass

BackgroundThe failure rate after gastric bypass surgery for weight loss has been reported at 10–20%. To date, no reliably safe and effective salvage operation is available. This pilot study was conducted to determine whether restriction of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) pouch using the adjustable gastric band (AGB) is an effective revision operation.MethodsA prospectively accrued group of patients who underwent revisional surgery using the AGB placed around the RYGB pouch by our bariatric surgical group from October 2004 to October 2006 was analyzed.ResultsOf the 10 patients accrued during this period, 2 were lost to follow-up, leaving 8 patients for analysis. Of the 8 patients, 1 was a man and 7 were women. The mean prerevision weight was 135.75 kg (range 105–165), and the body mass index was 48.42 kg/m² (range 38.92–55). The mean weight loss at 1 year of follow-up was 17.03 kg (range 0.2–42), with a mean percentage of excess weight loss of 24.29% (range 0.2–49.2%). The mean weight loss of the 5 patients with 2 years of follow-up was 36.4 kg (range 20–58), with a mean percentage of excess weight loss of 48.7% (range 21.8–98.1%). One patient with 3 years of follow-up had a weight loss of 56 kg and a percentage of excess weight loss of 66.2%. Three minor complications developed: 2 AGB port-related complications requiring port revision and 1 postoperative wound hematoma requiring evacuation. No band erosions or band slippages occurred, and no major complications developed.ConclusionIn our study, an AGB placed around the RYGB pouch was a safe and effective revision operation for a failed RYGB operation.     

胃小囊网片包裹术治疗肥胖症的可行性实验研究

目的 探讨聚四氟乙烯（polytetrafluoroethylene,PTFE）网片包裹胃小囊,预防胃小囊扩张,治疗肥胖症的可行性. 方法 在3例冰鲜（死亡〈72 h）尸体上实施此手术.男2例,女1例,年龄77、86、93岁,体重48、115、167 kg,BMI 19.7、33.4、45.3 kg/m2.做20～30 ml胃小囊,而后行胃空肠吻合术,再分离空肠系膜.PTFE网片穿过空肠系膜,粗面贴胃小囊壁,包裹胃小囊.最后固定网片,缝合空肠系膜. 结果 3例手术顺利,手术时间60、80、85 min, 无手术副损伤. 结论 网片包裹胃小囊,手术操作不十分困难,手术时可以用网片将胃小囊、胃空肠吻合口及空肠残端完全包裹.这样可能会有效地预防胃小囊的扩张.     

Proximal Gastrectomy Reconstructed by Jejunal Pouch Interposition for Upper Third Gastric Cancer: Prospective Randomized Study

Proximal gastrectomy with jejunal pouch interposition (PGJP) has been advocated as an alternative operation for upper third gastric cancer. However, there has been no prospective randomized trial comparing PGJP with total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (TGRY). The aim of this study was to compare the short- and medium-term results of PGJP and TGRY in a randomized clinical trial. Fifty-one patients with upper third gastric cancer were randomized to either PGJP (n = 25) or TGRY (n = 26). Outcome measures were postoperative complications, nutritional status assessed by serum nutritional parameters, and postgastrectomy symptoms. There were no significant differences in operating time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Blood loss was significantly less in the PGJP group (P = 0.036). Nineteen patients (73%) in the TGRY group had one or more postgastrectomy symptoms, which was significantly more frequent than in the PGJP group (32%; P = 0.012). There were also significant differences between the two groups with regard to food intake, weight recovery, hemoglobin, and serum vitamin B₁₂ levels in favor of PGJP. In conclusion, proximal gastrectomy with jejunal pouch interposition for upper third gastric cancer is safe, and is associated with a greater reduction in postgastrectomy symptoms and better nutritional status compared with conventional total gastrectomy.     

Gastric Acidity following Pancreaticogastrostomy with Pylorus-preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) has been reintroduced and employed occasionally as a useful alternative to pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after Whipple resection or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). Although the physiologic alteration in the stomach is important for the correlation between gastric and pancreatic functions, the actual intragastric pH profile after PG is still unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the physiologic changes in gastric pH and serum gastrin and secretin levels before and after PPPD reconstructed with PG (PPPD-PG) in humans. Twenty-four hour continuous intragastric pH and serum gastrin and secretin levels in the fasting state were examined in 25 patients who had undergone PPPD-PG. No peptic ulcer was detected after the operation. After PG, serum gastrin and secretin levels were unchanged. Twenty-four hour gastric pH monitoring revealed two distinct patterns during the nocturnal period before the operation: patients with acid-type secretion (n= 11) exhibited a persistent acid pH, whereas those with alkaline-type secretion (n= 14) had cyclic variations between an acid and an alkaline pH value. After PG, in both acid- and alkaline-type patients, median pH and percentages of time that the gastric pH was less than 4 (% pH < 4) and more than 6 (% pH > 6) did not change, and circadian pH patterns also remained unchanged. These results suggest that PPPD-PG has little influence on gastric acidity, and the neurohumoral relation between the stomach, duodenum, and pancreas is preserved after PG. Therefore, physiologically, PG can be recommended as a reconstructive procedure after PPPD.     

Technique of resection of esophageal adenocarcinoma after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and literature review of esophagogastric tumors after bariatric procedures

BackgroundThe number of bariatric procedures has continued to increase worldwide. However, experience with tumors arising in the esophagus or stomach after gastric bypass is lacking. We report our technique for curative resection of esophageal adenocarcinoma in a patient who had undergone previous gastric bypass and review the reported data on esophagogastric tumors after bariatric surgery.MethodsWe have described the operative details of esophagectomy after gastric bypass and reviewed the published data regarding type of bariatric surgery, gender predilection, presentation, symptom duration, cancer stage, and prognosis of patients with esophagogastric tumors occurring after bariatric surgery.ResultsOnly 22 esophagogastric tumors have been reported so far after bariatric surgery. The majority of them are locally advanced or metastatic at presentation.ConclusionEsophagogastric tumors after bariatric surgery are uncommon. This operative technique pays particular attention to the altered anatomy, dissection of the gastric pouch, and preservation of the blood supply to the excluded stomach. This technique can also be applied to manage tumors arising in the gastric pouch after previous gastric bypass. Close collaboration with the bariatric surgeon during surgery is essential to achieve a successful oncologic outcome in this subset of patients.     

Gastric bezoar after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: A case report

IntroductionWe aimed to present a patient with gastric pouch bezoar after having a bariatric surgery.Presentation of caseSixty-three years old morbid obese female had a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery 14 months ago. She has lost 88% of her excess body mass index; but started to suffer from nausea, abdominal distention and vomiting lately, especially for the last two months. The initial evaluation by endoscopy, computed tomography (CT) and an upper gastrointestinal contrast series overlooked the pathology in the gastric pouch and did not display any abnormality. However, a second endoscopy revealed a 5 cm in diameter phytobezoar in the gastric pouch which was later endoscopically removed. After the bezoar removal, her complaints relieved completely.DiscussionThe gastric bezoars may be confused with the other pathologies because of the dyspeptic complaints of these patients. The patients that had a bariatric surgery; are more prone to bezoar formation due to their potential eating disorders and because of the gastro-enterostomy made to a small gastric pouch after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.ConclusionPossibility of a bezoar formation should be kept in mind in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients who has nausea and vomiting complaints. Removal of the bezoar provides a dramatic improvement in the complaints of these patients.     

Novel Operative Technique for Vagal Nerve- and Pyloric Sphincter-preserving Distal Gastrectomy Reconstructed by Interposition of a 5 cm Jejunal J Pouch with a 3 cm Jejunal Conduit for Early Gastric Cancer and Postoperative Quality of Life 5 Years after Operation

The importance of the vagal nerve and pyloric sphincter, the need for pouch reconstruction, and the ideal pouch volume are all matters of controversy. A novel operative technique for vagal nerve- and pyloric sphincter-preserving distal gastrectomy reconstructed by interposition of a 5 cm jejunal J pouch with a 3 cm jejunal conduit was developed as a function-preserving surgical technique to prevent postgastrectomy disorders. The application criteria and technique are outlined in this article. Postoperative quality of life was also investigated clinically. Twenty subjects who underwent this surgical operation (group A: 16 men and 4 women aged 41 to 70 years, mean age 59.5 years) were interviewed to inquire about postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms. These patients were compared with 44 others who underwent conventional distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (group B: 30 men and 14 women aged 43 to 73 years, mean age 62.6 years). Included were patients with early cancer [mucosal or submucosal 1 (SM1) cancer and no lymph node metastasis (N0)] in the middle or lower third of stomach (or both) who were either not eligible for endoscopic excision of gastric mucosa or for partial gastric excision in the mucosa = 3.5 cm or SM1 5.5 cm, or further in distance from the anal margin of the cancer to the pyloric sphincter. Cases in which the remnant stomach would become one-third or less of the original size were also applied. During excision with lymph nodes, the hepatic and celiac branches bifurcating from the anterior and posterior trunks of the vagal nerve were preserved. The antrum was severed 1.5 cm from the pyloric sphincter, preserving the arteria supraduodenalis. The substitute stomach was created as a 5 cm jejunal pouch with a 3 cm jejunal conduit for orthodromic peristaltic movement using an automatic suture instrument to complete a side-to-side anastomosis of the folded jejunum. The anal side of the gastric remnant was manually anastomosed with the jejunal J pouch, and anastomosis of the pyloric antrum with the jejunal conduit was manually completed by stratum anastomosis. Postoperatively, the procedure in group A alleviated gastrointestinal symptoms such as appetite loss, epigastric fullness, reflux esophagitis, early dumping syndrome, body weight loss, endoscopic reflux esophagitis, and endoscopic gastritis in the remnant stomach, postprandial stasis of the substitute stomach, and postgastrectomy cholecystolithiasis better than in group B. The results suggest that the proposed technique is a function-preserving gastric operation appropriate for preventing postgastrectomy disorder.     

A Step-Wise Approach to Total Laparoscopic Gastrectomy with Jejunal Pouch Reconstruction: How and Why We Do It

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is a safe alternative compared to open gastrectomy for cancer. To increase the uptake of minimally invasive approaches and facilitate their analysis and improvement a stepwise approach is warranted. This study describes our technique and experiences total laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) with jejunal pouch reconstruction for gastric cancer. Technical modifications throughout the years were described. In patients with anastomotic leakage, the CT-scan and reoperation report were reviewed to identify the location and cause of the leak. A total of 47 patients who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with extracorporeal jejunal pouch reconstruction and stapled circular esophagojejunostomy from May 2007 to August 2015 were prospectively analyzed. A stepwise approach of 10 steps was designed based on video and case analysis. Median operation time was 301 (148–454) minutes and median blood loss was 300 (30–900) milliliters. Anastomotic leakage occurred in six (12.8 %) patients; additionally, one (2.12 %) jejunal-pouch staple line leak was identified. An important modification in our technique was a purse-string suture around the anvil of the circular stapler to prevent esophageal mucosa to slip away. After this modification, the leakage rate was reduced to 7 % in the last 15 procedures. In conclusion, TLG with jejunal pouch reconstruction is a feasible procedure in a selected group of patients. Our stepwise approach and technique may help surgeons to introduce jejunal pouch reconstruction during laparoscopic gastrectomy in their center.